Emily Qian, an 11 year-old BC resident in grade 5, wants people to know “that trees are a priceless treasure. We’ve only been on Earth for a few years, but trees have been here for thousands.”

Trees

By Emily Qian, Gr. 5

Trees are all long trunks and branches
They are monuments
Filled with the wisdom of the past

Every single leaf is a sign of determination
Every single branch tells you to have hope

Trees’ hearts are like human hearts
They are our best friends
When we are lonely
And devastated

They are with us
No matter what
They are like parents

They cuddle you when you are sad
They kiss you when you are scared
They remind you when you forget

Our air providers
Without them we wouldn’t be able to thrive
They are our rescuers

The first ones couldn’t live
The world would be nothing
We would live in a dark hole

There are people trying to cut them down
Even with all the things a tree can do
Even with all the things a tree can do…

—

Why did you write this poem?

I wrote this poem because I went on a little nature walk and I saw a row of trees standing there and I thought the sight was magical and that the branches were really like monuments and the trunks were so old they looked filled with wisdom. It was a really beautiful sight. I wanted to document it forever in my heart by writing this poem about that wonderful row of trees. Plus, I wanted people to see that we are cutting down this miracle.

What inspired it?

I just think my little nature walk inspired me and my childhood love of trees. When I was five, I used to spend hours on a rock working under the trees just admiring what a treasure we have in this world. I want to continue my love of trees by writing poems about them and documenting the sights I have seen them in, all of which are beautiful.

What are your wishes for the future?

I wish that everyone will be able to share my love of trees and stop cutting them down because we only realize how precious one thing is when it is gone.